Tag Archives: Joe Solmonese

Some businesses support LGBT workplace equality – and some don’t.

Which ones do you want to support when you’re out shopping around town?

With our new 2011 Buying for Workplace Equality guide and iPhone app, it’s easier than ever to find out where companies stand on workplace equality.

Browse the online version or download a free copy! >> http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/site/R?i=6eRH2GMGcCH_tExeBbTgCw..

From clothing to computers to kids’ stuff, from the latest hairstyles to the grocery aisles, we’ve collected data on hundreds of businesses. And some of the differences between companies selling similar products and services might surprise you:

Macy’s (100%) vs. Saks (30%*)

Staples (100%) vs. Office Depot (45%)

Nike (100%) vs. Adidas/Reebok (15%*)

UPS (100%) vs. FedEx (80%) vs. DHL (30%*)

Whole Foods (85%) vs. Trader Joes (15%*)

Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams (100%) vs. Pottery Barn/West Elm (30%*)

Take a Sneak Peak inside …click on link below

http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/site/R?i=G_XuEnthL12P6yva3wP7TA..

Get the iPhone app:click on link below

http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/site/R?i=SBJkK7ij85YKZGNQ0NUm5Q..

Text SHOP and the company or product name to: 30644 click on link below and check it out

http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/site/R?i=i0Qg4bzy-m66yxkBECBDpA..

In today’s economy, it’s vital that we support the companies, products, and brands that have equal workplace practices for the LGBT community. As you look for that perfect pair of shoes or a great gift for a loved one this Valentine’s Day, you can use the information in this guide to help make your shopping decisions.

Check out the online guide, download a free copy, or get all the info on your phone.

http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/site/R?i=pkTCX-IStVD1ibzj2DGiAw..

Thanks, and happy shopping!

Warmly,

Joe Solmonese

President

* This year, HRC has provided an estimated score to businesses that have not, after repeated attempts, responded to the survey. An estimated score is reflective of the information that HRC has been able to collect without help or input from a business. Learn more here. http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/site/R?i=SnBpYTtfnITdrpf0M7dH6w..

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Deadline TONIGHT: Fight for marriage in 2011

01/19/2011 Nativegrl77

We’re looking for just 403 more new HRC members to help start 2011 strong – and there are only hours left before our midnight deadline.

Your membership gift right now could decide whether we see new federal assaults on equality and new bans on same-sex couples marrying – or whether millions of couples will have their love recognized for the first time.

I hope you’ll read this email to find out how and then stand with us.

Help us reach our NEW goal of 3,000 new members before MIDNIGHT TONIGHT. Join HRC now – and add your voice to thousands of other straight supporters.

In the wake of the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” the far-right is furious – and re-energized.

Here’s what’s happening: In New Hampshire and Iowa, they’re focused on ending marriage equality. In West Virginia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Minnesota, constitutional bans on same-sex marriage could be on the table. And just last week, the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) announced that it would spend $100,000 on ads opposing marriage equality in Rhode Island.

In Congress, a host of radical new representatives and senators are ready to follow through on their hateful, anti-LGBT campaign promises.

And we’ve learned from experience that right-wing groups like NOM will stop at nothing – and spare no expense – to block our very real chances of winning marriage equality in New York and Maryland and securing civil unions in Hawaii and Delaware. Meanwhile, we are gearing up to help Washington and Oregon achieve marriage equality in 2012.

Our movement must have the strength to overcome extremist lies, support pro-equality champions in Congress, invest in state campaigns, and expose radical hate groups.

After years of fighting for equality, I know I’m not the only one that feels the weight of this moment of opportunity – our opponents feel it, too. Their ads and literature are desperate. They sense the cultural shift. They’re afraid of our momentum.

But they still have a chance to do terrible damage. I believe you know what’s at stake. The only question now is: Will you help us fight?

ONLY HOURS LEFT before our midnight deadline. Become an HRC member now.

NOM can count on their tiny band of massive donors. Right-wing politicians can count on hateful activists with limitless energy. We rely on our members for 85 percent of our funding, not foundations or grants – and I know we can count on you.

Thank you for believing in equality, and being willing to fight for it.

Just hours to go,

Joe Solmonese

President

P.S. If you’ve already put a check in the mail or given to HRC through some other means, thank you. If you’ve yet to contribute, though, please consider making a gift now. Your gift is critical to maintaining our fight against hate and bigotry in all its forms.

~ Recent Post

Marriage on the line: 24 hours left to fight hate

01/18/2011 Nativegrl77

Thanks to right-wing groups like the National Organization for Marriage (NOM), 2011 brings as much trepidation as hope. Just see the map below.

JUST 24 HOURS LEFT: The National Organization for Marriage thinks it speaks for straight America.

Show America that’s a lie.

Deadline TOMORROW. Defend marriage equality – join HRC now.

Same-sex marriage bans are in the works in no fewer than five states. In New Hampshire, where NOM shelled out $1 million in 2010, a more right-wing legislature is already preparing for major hearings on the repeal of marriage equality. In Iowa, NOM helped unseat three judges who ruled in favor of equal marriage – and now they’re going after the other four.

But it’s not all bad. In New York and Maryland, we could finally win full marriage rights for ALL loving couples. There are only 24 hours left in our campaign that can help us make it a reality.

These challenges – and our critical federal work – demand urgent resources. Carmen, thousands have stepped up to help. And after sailing past our original goal of 2,011 new members, we’ve upped our goal to 3,000 members by TOMORROW. That’s only 4 more from Washington. And we simply can’t do it without straight supporters like you.

Stand up for marriage and make sure NOM doesn’t control the debate. Stand with HRC – join by tomorrow.

Only two weeks ago, HRC staffers pressured NOM into releasing their most recent tax returns – and it turns out 75 percent of NOM’s entire multi-million dollar budget came from just five wealthy donors.

We’re different. 85 percent of our funding comes from individual donors, not from foundations or grants. And the more straight allies like you that join our cause, the more people will understand that this is an issue of basic fairness, not special rights. That grassroots power will be critical in 2011, and this map shows why:

In states marked in light blue, we have a chance to advance equality – marriage in New York and Maryland, and civil unions in Hawaii, Delaware, and Colorado. Plus we are gearing up to help Washington and Oregon achieve marriage equality in 2012.

Dark blue states show the front lines of the equality fight. In Florida we’re trying to stop rabid activists from reinstating a ban on same-sex parents adopting children. In West Virginia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Minnesota, we face the very real prospect of NOM-backed campaigns to pass constitutional bans on same-sex marriage.

We’re working hand-in-hand with local partners across the country. We’re putting staff on the ground in some states, while in others we’re providing financial support and training – or exposing lies with the help of our “NOM Watchers.” In many states, we’ll do all of the above.

These states have one thing in common: your support, right now, can mean the difference between triumph and failure.

Stand with us. Fight for the future. Become an HRC member now.

This is one of the most critical civil rights issues of our time. Decisions by the U.S. House and Senate and by every single state will have a very real impact on everyday lives. Together, we can ensure those decisions are positive.

For all you do, and all that you will do, thank you. You’re the reason I know we will succeed.

Onward,

Joe Solmonese

President

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

President Obama: Support marriage equality for all

01/14/2011 Nativegrl77

Mr. President, it’s time for you to support marriage equality for all Americans

The President has said that his thinking on the issue is “evolving.”

Help get him over the finish line.

President Obama has done more for the nation’s LGBT community than any other president in history, from hate crimes protections to the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” to hospital visitation rules. This president has proven himself to be an advocate for the LGBT community.

He’s a fair and just man. That’s why we’re calling on him today to publicly and vocally support marriage equality for all Americans.

Earlier today, the Department of Justice filed a brief appealing two federal court rulings that found the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) unconstitutional. The Administration claims that it has a duty to defend the laws that are on the books. We simply do not agree. At the very least, the Justice Department can and should acknowledge that the law is unconstitutional.

All families deserve the recognition and respect of their government. It’s time for President Obama to state his support for full, equal marriage. And we want your help in telling him that it’s time.

Because of DOMA, gay and lesbian families with marriage licenses from Iowa, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, California, Massachusetts, and the District of Columbia don’t get basic protections like Social Security, pension benefits, and family medical leave – benefits of marriage available to all other married couples. The law is discriminatory and unjust.

The President’s clear and unequivocal support for marriage equality will be a very powerful message that all Americans should be treated fairly and with respect and dignity. It will also send a direct message to LGBT Americans, young and old, that their nation values them.

President Obama has already stated his position on marriage is “evolving.” And he’s already seen the outpouring of support for his successful call to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Let’s help him get over the finish line.

Together, we can move this president to speak out for the right to marry freely. I hope you’ll take a moment to send your message today.

It’s time,

Joe Solmonese
President

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Sign up to be a NOM Watcher!

01/05/2011 Nativegrl77

Don’t believe the lies:
NOM is not a respectful, tolerant group.

Sign up to become a NOM Watcher!

We’re reaching out to you directly because you already may be familiar with NOM Exposed, the project of the Human Rights Campaign and Courage Campaign dedicated to revealing the truth about the so-called National Organization of Marriage. Chances are you’ve read our posts on NOM’s leading role in the states, or caught our latest video trying to get NOM’s required federal tax returns.

You signed onto “NOM Doesn’t Speak for Me!” – a vehicle we’re using to let lawmakers and the media know how out-of-touch and radical NOM really is. But now, with marriage battles looming in 2011, and with NOM promising to wage war on LGBT families, we need your help.

We need eyes and ears on the ground, to make sure that we fully document the hostile, anti-gay environment NOM helps create. We must hold NOM and its followers accountable and alert both the media and voters to their radical ties and agenda.

This fringe group is gearing up to undo marriage equality in states where it is currently legal and to stop marriage in other states where it could become legal. These people won’t give up until marriage equality is banned nationwide.

That’s where you come in. Become a “NOM Watcher.” We’re looking for people from all walks of life to report on and help us challenge NOM activities in the states. Check out our new tracker map to see where NOM might be next. In the coming weeks, we’ll be providing specific steps you can take locally as a NOM Watcher.

Thanks for your engagement. We can all play a role in calling out homophobia and protecting our families.

Thanks,

Joe Solmonese

P.S. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for daily updates and to see what NOM’s up to.